A 7 percent jump for natural gas futures occurs during energy trading on Dec. 17 as the Energy Information Administration reports a drop for U. S. natural gas supplies. During Dec. 17 morning trading, natural gas for January delivery was up 40 cents, or 7.3%, at $5.86 per million British thermal units. Cold weather in recent days over the northern part of the U. S. is partially responsible for this drop in natural gas supplies.